Deputy City Attorney - Trial/Litigation Team - City Attorney's Office (8177)

About the role

The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is seeking a qualified and motivated attorney to join its Trial Team. The Trial Team is a collaborative, nimble, and dynamic group of over 40 attorneys and support staff and the largest team at the City Attorney’s Office. The Team primarily defends lawsuits filed against the City and County of San Francisco and its employees in state and federal court, handling all phases of litigation, from case intake and assessment, litigation strategy, discovery and document review, motion practice, settlement evaluation and negotiation, trial, and appeal.

Responsibilities

• Assigned defensive matters, primarily involving accidents or injuries involving City operations, but also including constitutional claims and contractual disputes.
• Primary responsibility for all aspects of assigned cases, from responding to lawsuits, filing and arguing motions, trying cases before a jury, all the way to appeal.
• Regular appearances in court and depositions as the first chair on all cases.
• Weekly meetings for attorneys to roundtable and discuss cases before the entire team.
• Support from direct supervisors, the Assistant Chief, and the Chief Trial Attorney for significant decisions on cases.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in California.
• Three or ideally more years of civil litigation experience, including trial experience.
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly, work both independently and collaboratively, and identify and assess substantive and procedural legal issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience handling court appearances and oral argument.
• Familiarity with state and federal rules of civil procedure and local rules of court.
• Experience with e-discovery.
• Demonstrated interest, comfort, and good working knowledge of sophisticated document review tools.
• Ability to work effectively with paralegals, legal assistants, investigators, and other colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Interest and ability to work successfully as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Licensed to practice law in California.
• Desired Qualifications: Three or ideally more years of civil litigation experience, including trial experience; ability to assume responsibility quickly, work both independently and collaboratively, and identify and assess substantive and procedural legal issues; excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills; experience handling court appearances and oral argument; familiarity with state and federal rules of civil procedure and local rules of court; experience with e-discovery; demonstrated interest, comfort, and good working knowledge of sophisticated document review tools; ability to work effectively with paralegals, legal assistants, investigators, and other colleagues; ability to exercise excellent judgment, adapt to changes, and be curious; excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude; commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment; interest and ability to work successfully as part of a team.

Skills

• Legal research and analysis.
• Writing and drafting legal documents.
• Managing and supervising litigation teams.
• Dealing with complex legal issues.
• Effectively communicating with clients and opposing counsel.
• Handling multiple cases simultaneously.

Benefits

The Deputy City Attorney position has a 16-step salary scale ranging from $158,548 - $277,810. The successful applicant is appointed to a salary step based on years of experience as a lawyer. The City offers robust health, retirement, and other benefits. For more information please visit: https://sfdhr.org/benefits-overview.

Pay

$158,548 - $277,810

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule for eligible employees.